15 Cheap Restaurant Items That Are Never Worth It

Just because something’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. Some restaurant items look like budget-friendly extras, but when you break it down, you’re paying way too much for very little.

Maybe it’s something you could make at home for pennies, or maybe it’s just bland, small, or wildly overpriced. These are the items that seem like safe bets—until they land on your table.

1. Side Salad

Limp lettuce, a cherry tomato, and a packet of ranch don’t earn their $4.99 price tag. Most side salads are pre-bagged and tossed together as an afterthought.

Even with croutons, they rarely taste fresh or satisfying. You’re better off saving your money or ordering a real salad that’s built with care.

2. White Rice

Often scooped from a giant warmer and slapped on the plate, it adds filler, not flavor. Most places charge a full side price for something that costs pennies to make.

When it’s undercooked or mushy, it can actually ruin the meal it’s supposed to support. Make your own at home and save the cash.

3. Plain Buttered Noodles

Just boiled pasta and melted butter—nothing more, nothing less. It’s usually meant for kids but priced like it came from a gourmet kitchen.

You could make ten servings at home for what one plate costs at a diner. And unless it’s homemade pasta, it’s just not worth it.

4. Fountain Drinks

You’re paying $3.50 for carbonated sugar water that costs the restaurant about a dime. And they rarely refill it fast enough to make it worth the markup.

If you’re dining out often, those drinks quietly drain your budget. Water with lemon suddenly starts sounding pretty great.

5. Garlic Bread

Usually it’s just a basic roll or slice of store-bought bread with garlic powder and margarine. It looks good on the menu, but it rarely tastes fresh.

Even when it’s warm, it feels like something thrown together last-minute. Toast some real bread at home and rub it with a garlic clove—you’ll notice the difference.

6. Extra Cheese On Pizza

Paying two or three bucks more for what amounts to a slightly thicker layer of mozzarella? Not worth it. Especially when the base pizza already comes loaded.

Most restaurants don’t actually weigh the “extra,” so it’s often barely noticeable. Better to add flavor with toppings that actually change the bite.

7. Toast With Jam

Two slices of plain white bread and a plastic jelly packet shouldn’t cost $3. It’s the kind of thing that belongs next to eggs—not on its own plate.

You’re basically paying for the toaster and the table. Make it a full breakfast or skip it entirely.

8. Cup Of Soup

Tiny, lukewarm, and sometimes from a can—it’s a filler dish that promises comfort but delivers disappointment. The “cup” often looks more like a shot glass.

Unless it’s house-made and packed with fresh ingredients, it’s rarely worth the price. Just order the bowl or skip it altogether.

9. Chips And Salsa

Some places give it for free, others charge $6 for a bowl of stale chips and watery salsa. It’s hit-or-miss, and when it misses, it really shows.

Unless it’s a spot known for killer house-made salsa, skip the side order. Make your own for a fraction of the cost—and flavor it the way you like.

10. Basic French Fries

Standard frozen fries that are soggy or over-salted don’t justify a $4 side charge. They’re easy to make and often taste better at home.

If they’re hand-cut or loaded with toppings, that’s a different story. But the basic ones? Overpriced potato sticks.

11. Small Fruit Cups

Three grapes, a slice of melon, and a sad piece of pineapple in a plastic bowl do not equal “fresh fruit.” You’re paying premium prices for very little produce.

It’s usually pre-packed and tastes like it’s been sitting in a fridge for days. Grab a banana from the grocery store instead.

12. Breadsticks

Unless you’re at a place that’s known for baking them fresh, they’re often dry and flavorless. A side of marinara doesn’t save them.

Many are frozen and reheated—not worth the price or the carbs. You’ll wish you’d saved room for something else.

13. Bottled Water

Paying $2–$4 for the same water you can get in a 24-pack at the store? Hard pass. It’s the most marked-up item in the restaurant.

Unless you’re in a place where tap water is questionable, just say no. Order ice water and enjoy your meal guilt-free.

14. Plain Pancakes

Two dry pancakes with a butter pat and syrup packet cost nearly as much as a full breakfast. There’s nothing “deluxe” about them unless you add toppings.

Unless they’re stacked high and made with care, they’re just flour, water, and regret. Better to make a full breakfast plate or keep the griddle at home.

15. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a comfort food staple but often lack flair in restaurants. Without enough seasoning, they can taste bland and uninspired, making them a disappointing side.

When dining out, consider sides with more flavor and texture, like garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.